ED Psychiatric Tech

Stamford Health•Stamford, CT

About The Position

Stamford Health is seeking a Psychiatric Technician to support our Emergency Department! The ED psychiatric tech will function as a critical member of Stamford Hospital's new EmPATH unit, a specialized, calm, and therapeutic setting for patients in acute mental health crises. The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment for psychiatric patients, and to assist with the provision of basic patient care needs. In cooperation with other health team members, the Psychiatric Technician participates in implementing a care plan designed to meet the specific therapeutic goals of the patient. Some physical labor is involved related to assisting patients with bathing, various ADLs, stocking supplies, belongings or during acute situations e.g., physical holds/restraints. This is a Full-time position, 3 shifts per week. Available hours: Day Shift (7am - 8pm) or Night Shift (7pm - 8am)

Requirements

Associate's degree in related field or at least one year of work experience in a related job required.
BLS Certification required.
At least one year of experience in the realm of healthcare and psychiatry/behavioral health preferred.
Ability to extract and interpret information and/or perform arithmetic functions.
De-escalation training (MOAB or CPI) obtained within 6 months of hire.
Understanding of electronic documentation, basic medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment by reporting unsafe conditions or concerns to nursing personnel.
Demonstrates the ability to respond timely, efficiently, calmly, and take appropriate action during a crisis and any emergency situations.
Understands and demonstrates therapeutic boundaries while developing an appropriate and supportive rapport with patients and their family or loved ones.
Demonstrates the ability to perform patient and environmental rounds while reporting clinical or customer service-related issues or questions to supervising staff in a timely fashion.
Observes and documents patient behaviors.
Collaborates with nursing to formulate a plan and assists peers, to meet the basic care needs of patients and participates in activities of daily living performance.
Aids nursing with admission of new patients and facilitating a safe transition.
Aids nursing with facilitating a safe discharge of patients.
Assists in the formulation of behavioral care plans and ensures that the behavioral care plans are followed.
Provides psychoeducational group support, contributes to, and supports the therapeutic milieu, and ensures the safety and well-being of the patient population.
Demonstrates the ability and competency to monitor acute patients;1:1, CO, restraints, phlebotomy, EKG, point of care testing, vital signs, redirection, while upholding appropriate boundaries yet delivering therapeutic communication.
Upholds policies and role-modeling safe practices for peers
Actively participates in monthly tech councils, staff meetings, and initiatives surrounding practice development.
Promotes and facilitates unit-based strategic action plans and goals
Complies and maintains professional means of communication i.e., checking emails during their shifts; attending staff meetings, safety huddles, IDT, and actively seeks out clarification if needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested to maintain a high level of service.
Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.
Demonstrates professional work behavior by following Service Standards and Success factors.
Complies with departmental and organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.